FAQs: match funding

Many companies throughout the UK offer employees the
chance to boost their fundraising efforts by 'matching' the money
they raise. It really is money for nothing, and you could double
the amount of cash you raise with very little
effort.

What is match funding?

Match giving or match funding is a simple way of maximising the
fundraising efforts of your individual volunteers. It is an
informal arrangement between a company and their employee.

Not all companies offer match funding but those that do will
pledge a sum of money relating to the amount their employee has
raised for or donated to the charity of their choice. Some
organisations will match fund on a £ for £ basis, others will
stipulate what they are prepared to give.

It is likely that an upper limit will be applied along with
certain criteria such as the recipient organisation being a
registered charity. Some companies will also pledge time and
resources instead of money, so enabling their employees to support
a cause during their working week, or offering a tangible service
such as the opportunity to print posters, programmes, newsletters
and so on.

Which organisations will support us?

Unfortunately, while we'd love to be able to provide a list of
companies offering match funding, it is fraught with too many
issues. Some companies have certain criteria in their small print
(i.e. it may only be offered to full-time staff after two years
service), or the schemes change too often for us to be able to keep
any such list up to date.

Generally speaking, banks and building societies, insurance
companies, supermarkets, utilities providers, phone companies and
car manufacturers are known historically to offer match funding
schemes. It's a case of making it clear to volunteers what 'match
funding' is, and asking all your supporters to check with their
employers whether a scheme is already in place or if they'd be
willing to set one up. A match funding scheme can be adopted
by any company no matter how big or small.

How do we get started?

To get things started, ask supporters to see if their employers
operate or are interested in running a match funding scheme. You
may find that there are one or two large organisations that employ
many of supporters, so if you find a company that is willing to
match fund, make sure you let everyone know! A quick internet
search will also give you a list of organisations that have been
known to match fund, so this may be a good way to identify
employers in your local area that your supporters can approach.
Once the company has agreed to match fund, they will probably ask
their employee to complete a request form. If this is not the case,
ask the company to put their pledge in writing to your cause.
Ensure that your association formally acknowledges the
contributions made by companies and their employees.

How can we raise awareness?

Promote, promote, promote! The more you can do to spread the
word about the benefits of match funding among those who support
you, the better. Make sure you tell everyone that this way to
fundraise exists! Explain that its not complicated and will cost
the individual nothing - other than some time to talk to their
employer.

What can we do to ensure maximum benefit?

Once you've identified volunteers that can tap into match
funding via their employers, you need to ensure that you use this
opportunity wisely. So for example, if someone has volunteered to
help at the summer fun day, and their company is match funding the
money they help to raise, make sure you put them on the most
lucrative stall! It's a great way to build a rapport with local
businesses; if they are prepared to support their employee, they
may be willing to go a bit further and support your association in
other ways by providing raffle or auction prizes for
example.

Match funding case study

Michelle Glumart, assistant secretary, Friends of
Herringham Primary Academy, Essex successfully recieved
match funding from a parent at their school: 'We were approached by
a parent who works for a company offering match funding for their
employees - up to £6,000 per year at no more than £1,500 each time.
Her company match funds against the overall amount raised at that
event. There was one form to fill in for the company to prove who
we were and we had to provide bank account details, etc, but after
that it's been plain sailing. This year alone on two events, we
have raised an additional £2,900 in match funding - what's not to
love about that? My advice for other PTAs is definitely find
parents who can access match funding for you!'

You may find that there are one or two large organisations that
employ many of your supporters, so if you find a company that is
willing to match fund, make sure you let everyone know.

Once you've identified local employers, send letter out or put
something on your website explaining how the scheme works, what you
are raising money for and provide a list of local companies known
to match fund.